How a Talking Car Could Reduce Accidents and Congestion

By 2017, talking cars may be the norm as the Department of Transportation work to reduce accidents and traffic congestion.

A rule is being proposed in the US that vehicle to vehicle communication should be put in place by 2017. The new technology will see that cars communicate with each other about speed, position and other basic safety data including traffic congestion.

Studies have shown that these ‘talking cars’ could reduce accidents by up to 80 percent and could make driving on US roads a whole lot safer.

“When these technologies are adapted across the fleet, the results could be nothing short of revolutionary for roadway safety,” said David Friedman, acting administrator of the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If the rule is proposed, it will go to the public for comment for a 90 day period before the final decision is made.

Those concerned about privacy however are being assured that the data collected does not include any personal details nor does it include information about the vehicle that is irrelevant to safety features.

“Think of all the everyday situations that this technology could help with; when folks pull up to a four-way stop, driving behind a big truck or an SUV that limits your visibility or even making a lane change and a car moves into your blind spot,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated.

It is not yet clear what the car communication services will cost and what timeframe drivers would be given to have the devices installed.